Cambodia

One of Southeast Asia’s smallest countries, Cambodia is a blossoming land that captivates the soul. Its rich culture, ancient Khmer legacy and the charm of its people create an allure that’s hard to resist. A journey to the magnificent ruins of Angkor and the famed temple, Angkor Wat, is likely to leave even the most experienced traveler at a loss for words. The fascinating land of Cambodia offers a glimpse into the heart of Southeast Asia and adds a healthy dose of adventure into your next Asia vacation.

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Asia Series

City Packages

Asia Series

Discover the exoticism and the diversity that Asia offers with our exciting itineraries at an incredible value.

Comfort - Maximum group size of 40 people

Value - Luxury hotels chosen for their central location and excellent service

Inclusions - Knowledgeable sightseeing guides, and more:

Travel insurance with trip interruption coverage (if paid in full 60 days prior to departure)

Tour manager to accompany you throughout (except in Hong Kong) with groups of 10 or more

Like the rest of Southeast Asia, Cambodia experiences monsoons, which are known as tropical wet and dry seasons. The southwest monsoons blow inland and bring precipitation and high winds from May to October. The northeast monsoon brings in dry season, which lasts from November to April.

During the rainy season, humidity is high and temperatures range from 75° to 90°F. Rain is heaviest from September to October and the driest period is from January to February. Temperatures during the dry season range from 70° to 95°F. The best months to visit Cambodia are November to January when the temperatures (70° to 85°F) and the humidity (with 0 to 5 inches of rain) are lowest.

Language

The official language and the language primarily spoken by Cambodians is Khmer. However, among the younger generation and those in the business class, English is the favored foreign language to learn and is widely spoken and taught in larger cities.

Sometimes used in the government is Cambodian French, which is a dialect found in Cambodia and is a remnant from the colonial days. Depending on the region you visit, there are five main dialects spoken throughout Cambodia, all of which are mutually intelligible.

The language, unlike most of its neighboring Asian countries, is not tonal. Khmer uses its own script, which has different styles used for different purposes.

Public Holidays and Festivals

January 1 – New Year
January 7 – National Day / Victory from Genocide Day
April 13 or 14 - Chaul Chnam (Cambodian New Year celebration)
April or May - Visaka Bochea (Buddhist observance)
May 1 – Labour Day
May 20 – Day of Hatred
May – Royal Ploughing Ceremony
September or October – Pchum Ben (Ancestor’s Day)
November 5 – Independence Day
November – Water Festival

Money

Although the US dollar is accepted throughout Cambodia, the official currency is the Cambodian riel. The exchange rate as of Feb 2010 is 4,155 riel to US$1.

Bring small denominations of US cash with you wherever you go to avoid problems with changing larger denominations or counterfeit notes. Banks will give you the best rates.

Bartering is not as intense as in neighboring countries because the vendors’ asking price is not markedly higher (unless at a very popular tourist attraction); therefore, it is important to be respectful when haggling at the markets.